While beaches and islands in neighboring Thailand have grown into globally recognized, brand-name holiday retreats, Cambodian beaches and islands have only slowly appeared on the world’s vacation radar.
Anchored by booming Sihanoukville town and port of Sihanoukville, many beaches along Cambodia’s southwestern coast are easily accessible, feature full tourism infrastructure, including ATMs and internet cafes, and have some gorgeous, arching crescents of sand, many of which are barely inhabited or developed.
Bursting with natural beauty, Sihanoukville Province is located in the south of Cambodia, near the border with Thailand. Formerly known as Kompong Som, Sihanoukville was renamed in honor of King Father Norodom Sihanouk; the town of the same name was founded in the 1960s when the Port of Sihanoukville was built with assistance from France and the United States.
The main attraction in Sihanoukville is its multitude of beautiful beaches, namely Victory Beach, Independence Beach, Sokha Beach, Ochheuteal Beach (Serendipity Beach), and Otres Beach. Victory Beach has recently been usurped by Serendipity Beach, the northern portion of Ochheuteal Beach, as the most lively beach destination, offering a great collection of guesthouses, bars, and restaurants. Otres Beach and several nearby islands offer budget accommodation on uncrowded and relatively unspoiled stretches of beautiful seaside, while Sokha and Independence Beaches offer 5-star luxury.
Sihanoukville is a popular place for water sports in Sihanoukville including fishing, sailing, and diving as there are a number of nearby islands where you can take a boat trip and dive deep into clear blue waters. Snorkeling is also popular, and the waters around Koh Russei (Bamboo Island) – also known as Bamboo Island – are a particularly good place to spot shoals of colorful fish.
The islands of Koh Russei, Koh Rung, and Koh Rong Saloem are celebrated for their natural beauty and many visitors are tempted to spend the night on one of these islands amidst tranquil surroundings, where the only noise is the song of birds and the wind in the trees (after the power at the guesthouse bars is cut around 10:30pm).
One of the area’s popular attractions on the mainland is Ream National Park. A boat trip through the national park is the perfect way to appreciate the beautiful flora and fauna of this charming province. Venture down the Prek Tuk Sap River in a small motorboat, sheltered from the hot sun by a canvass roof; there is plenty of wildlife to see, such as green kingfishers, monkeys, dolphins, and purple jellyfish.
The best time to visit Sihanoukville Province is during the cool and dry season from November to February, though the beaches are still generally nice to visit until towards the end of April or early May when the seasonal monsoons begin to arrive.
Sihanoukville Airport, which is 17kms east of Sihanoukville town had yet to be reopened by 2011 (although it appears ready and waiting to take on aircraft) so the only way to get to the area is by private taxi or bus from Phnom Penh or Koh Kong. Sihanoukville is located 3-5 hours from Phnom Penh by taxi or bus and 3-4 hours from Koh Kong.
Where to Go
- Ream National Park: A coastal sanctuary near Sihanoukville, featuring pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and diverse wildlife, perfect for nature lovers and eco-tourism.
- Sihanoukville: A coastal city known for its sandy beaches, nightlife, and as a gateway to Cambodia’s tropical islands, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure.